How does a professional utilize and treat pertinent knowledge obtained through a “trusted whisper”? In other words, what do you do with information you have on good authority as a matter of certain privilege (and even luck) bestowed on you?

In my humble opinion, it is important to carry out a self assessment of one’s ability to professionally handle possessions such as those alluded to above. The basics of what professionalism entails may be a useful premise to begin our discussion.

Professionals are expected to exhibit knowledge, broad ranges of intelligence, discretion, ethics, decorum, objectivity, integrity, contextual loyalty and so on. These are among the key attributes that comprise the connective fibres in a professional actor.

I propose a few self-assessment questions one may ask themselves when faced with dilemma in this respect;

1. Maturity in receipt and treatment of information – it is important to check yourself in terms of how you came across the information. Is it by sheer adventure, inappropriate extraction, deception, confidence, on a need-to-know basis or as a person in authority who is expected to act on same? What does this information illicit in you? Is it an opportunity to exploit for personal and selfish gain or a privilege to be taken with humility?

2. Objective consideration – check whether you can be objective in considering the information for all intents and purposes. This would include the fact that you may be personally affected. Do you have the spine to swallow the bile and still keep it professional? As proponents of decency, there is general aversion towards actors who are “people or self pleasers ” because objectively for such individuals is most likely compromised.

3. Upholding and balancing of best interests – check whether best interest is considered and where there is a multiple interests factor, same are balanced by your actions and intentions in the utilization of the knowledge that has come your way.

4. Wisdom and fidelity – check your appreciation for moral and cultural perspectives in your dealing with the acquired knowledge. In the event that you would need to refer to the knowledge in dealing with a third party whilst keeping the confidence with which it came your way, how would you navigate the landscape?

Keep it professional.. always!